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Paradise, Idaho #4
Take Me Back: Paradise, Idaho, Book 4
Hallie Cavanaugh's late father just left her millions of reasons to stay away from Jim Lawson, deputy sheriff of Paradise, Idaho, and the man who broke her heart fourteen years ago. Hallie has worked hard for independence, but she can't dismiss a massive inheritance, even if she has to follow her father's manipulative terms to get it. How hard can it be to spend six months back in Paradise - and not sleep with her old flame?
Former Army Ranger Jim just wants to do his job, raise his daughter...and resist the gorgeous, redheaded reminder of his bad-boy past. Their one unforgettably hot night together had major consequences, and now there's a fortune and a family legacy at stake. But when Hallie is threatened amid a storm of uncovered secrets and conflicted loyalties, protecting her becomes more than a it's a deeply personal fight Jim's heart won't let him lose.
Former Army Ranger Jim just wants to do his job, raise his daughter...and resist the gorgeous, redheaded reminder of his bad-boy past. Their one unforgettably hot night together had major consequences, and now there's a fortune and a family legacy at stake. But when Hallie is threatened amid a storm of uncovered secrets and conflicted loyalties, protecting her becomes more than a it's a deeply personal fight Jim's heart won't let him lose.
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First published February 28, 2017
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About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,218 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
February 28, 2017
3.5*
This book starts with a murder and goes from there.
Henry Cavanaugh was the richest and most hated man in town, he was a despicable human being and while no one will miss him the question remains who killed him?
The reading of his will brings to light some secrets and surprises, of course he couldn't just give his money to his daughter he has to make her jump through hoops.
We have an interesting selection of characters the main two being Hallie the daughter who hasn't had any contact with her father for five years, she also believed she'd been cut from the will and Jim the town's deputy who used to be a troubled youth and broke Hallie's young heart.
Now my problem was I worked out really quickly who the villain was (or more importantly I thought I had) the more I read the more I realised I was right and then I started thinking how I actually like more of a challenge, I like to work for my answer not have it just given to me.
So it was just left for me to settle down (smugly) and read the rest of it and let all the characters catch up with me.
There's some fabulous characters here and it made for interesting reading and things hot up as the killer decides things aren't going the way they expected or as fast as they expected.
Then about half way in I started to have my doubts about the killer, things weren't adding up and I realised I might have been wrong. The more I read the more I realised I'd no idea who the killer was and I was so glad.
I liked so much about this book especially that it kept me guessing but something was missing, I'm not sure what exactly I know I didn't really feel any passion between Hallie and Jim although I liked them both and wanted them together I think part of it was I wanted her to want him more then the money and yes I know it wasn't really about the money but I wanted uncontrollable passion.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
This book starts with a murder and goes from there.
Henry Cavanaugh was the richest and most hated man in town, he was a despicable human being and while no one will miss him the question remains who killed him?
The reading of his will brings to light some secrets and surprises, of course he couldn't just give his money to his daughter he has to make her jump through hoops.
We have an interesting selection of characters the main two being Hallie the daughter who hasn't had any contact with her father for five years, she also believed she'd been cut from the will and Jim the town's deputy who used to be a troubled youth and broke Hallie's young heart.
Now my problem was I worked out really quickly who the villain was (or more importantly I thought I had) the more I read the more I realised I was right and then I started thinking how I actually like more of a challenge, I like to work for my answer not have it just given to me.
So it was just left for me to settle down (smugly) and read the rest of it and let all the characters catch up with me.
There's some fabulous characters here and it made for interesting reading and things hot up as the killer decides things aren't going the way they expected or as fast as they expected.
Then about half way in I started to have my doubts about the killer, things weren't adding up and I realised I might have been wrong. The more I read the more I realised I'd no idea who the killer was and I was so glad.
I liked so much about this book especially that it kept me guessing but something was missing, I'm not sure what exactly I know I didn't really feel any passion between Hallie and Jim although I liked them both and wanted them together I think part of it was I wanted her to want him more then the money and yes I know it wasn't really about the money but I wanted uncontrollable passion.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
June 25, 2017
This is book 4 in the Paradise Idaho series. They can be read as a standalone. I've read and loved bks 1,2 & 3.
I love this author. I've had this ARC on my kindle. Like a present. A guaranteed good read. Ms James' books are a little longer than the average ebook out there now. I saved this for my vacation. I wanted to take my time reading this-and I did.
3rd person POV. alternating between the h, Hallie, the H Jim, and occasionally "the Killer".
The opening scene in chapter One "Last Round" has Henry Cavanaugh (a total rat bastard to the max) and the killer in a stand off.
In an ultimate twist of irony, Henry dies while the unknown person is there in Henry's home. It's a chilling way to start a romance book!
The Identity of "the Killer" isn't revealed-until the last chapter. Very subtle clues are dropped, but are so vague that I changed my mind a little beyond the 55% mark. I did guess correctly, but I was gripped in the suspense of what would happen next.
This is NOT a quick read. There's a great love story between Jim Lawson and Hallie Cavanaugh, but the suspense thread runs through the entire story. There is SO much to this book. Jim and Hallie's families become linked in unexpected ways. The blurb says that there are secrets revealed- a little at a time, almost in a soap opera style.
Hallie left Paradise, ID to go to college in Seattle. She was gone for 14 years- after so much cruelty from her father. Her dad Henry had such a grip on her and on the town. He was very rich and powerful. He told Hallie that he was disowning her when she left town.
I'm surprise that someone hadn't tried to kill him before.
Hallie comes back to Paradise for her dad's funeral. She's ordered to attend as a condition of the will.
Hallie and Jim have an awkward meet-cute on her way into town.
Fourteen years. That's a long time. Hallie was 17 y/o, Jim was 19. Spark's still there. Hmm.
Yeah, Jim, now the sheriff. Hallie, no longer under dad's thumb. Or is she?
Terms of the will have Henry's reach beyond the grave.
Hallie is no longer the meek and kowtowed daughter. She's independent, an inner city High school teacher and is deetermined to out-smart her dad's manipulation (and stipulations) in his iron-clad will.
The supporting characters were great:
Mac, Jim's 11 y/o daughter (Jim was married and widowed during the 14 years that Hallie was gone);
Viicki, Jim's mom. She could have been been cliched with 3 kids w/ no dads around. She's matured from the hard knocks in life; she has a young teenage son, Cole. Big secrets revealed about him.
Anthea, Jim's sister and Hallie's best friend. Anthea is married with 2 kids, and the most steady of all the characters.
Hallie and Jim spend most of the book fighting their attraction while Hallie has to follow the mandates of her dad's will.
Hallie does have to deal with Jim's late wife's shadow. They deal with it in the open and it gets them both moving forward in their own relationship. Hallie and Jim's chemistry is hot. They have to keep it secret while Jim and Hallie try to figure out who is trying to get rid of her.
There's a slow burn, but the build up is very good. Nothing but challenges.
Hallie's been on her own. Jim is used to being in charge.
I'm taking .05 of a star off for a little slow up in the middle.
Another .05 off for the long separation. Jim and Hallie started new as adults. I loved how they both admitted how it went so wrong when they were teens. Henry was so cruel. There were so many people that suffered because of him. Hallie spent a lot of her time making up for him. I loved that she thought for herself and was such a kind person. I loved this and highly recommend it. Complete standalone & an HEA.
*A brief request: I wish that Ms James would number her chapters.
ARC from NetGalley.
I love this author. I've had this ARC on my kindle. Like a present. A guaranteed good read. Ms James' books are a little longer than the average ebook out there now. I saved this for my vacation. I wanted to take my time reading this-and I did.
3rd person POV. alternating between the h, Hallie, the H Jim, and occasionally "the Killer".
The opening scene in chapter One "Last Round" has Henry Cavanaugh (a total rat bastard to the max) and the killer in a stand off.
In an ultimate twist of irony, Henry dies while the unknown person is there in Henry's home. It's a chilling way to start a romance book!
The Identity of "the Killer" isn't revealed-until the last chapter. Very subtle clues are dropped, but are so vague that I changed my mind a little beyond the 55% mark. I did guess correctly, but I was gripped in the suspense of what would happen next.
This is NOT a quick read. There's a great love story between Jim Lawson and Hallie Cavanaugh, but the suspense thread runs through the entire story. There is SO much to this book. Jim and Hallie's families become linked in unexpected ways. The blurb says that there are secrets revealed- a little at a time, almost in a soap opera style.
Hallie left Paradise, ID to go to college in Seattle. She was gone for 14 years- after so much cruelty from her father. Her dad Henry had such a grip on her and on the town. He was very rich and powerful. He told Hallie that he was disowning her when she left town.
I'm surprise that someone hadn't tried to kill him before.
Hallie comes back to Paradise for her dad's funeral. She's ordered to attend as a condition of the will.
Hallie and Jim have an awkward meet-cute on her way into town.
Fourteen years. That's a long time. Hallie was 17 y/o, Jim was 19. Spark's still there. Hmm.
Yeah, Jim, now the sheriff. Hallie, no longer under dad's thumb. Or is she?
Terms of the will have Henry's reach beyond the grave.
Hallie is no longer the meek and kowtowed daughter. She's independent, an inner city High school teacher and is deetermined to out-smart her dad's manipulation (and stipulations) in his iron-clad will.
The supporting characters were great:
Mac, Jim's 11 y/o daughter (Jim was married and widowed during the 14 years that Hallie was gone);
Viicki, Jim's mom. She could have been been cliched with 3 kids w/ no dads around. She's matured from the hard knocks in life; she has a young teenage son, Cole. Big secrets revealed about him.
Anthea, Jim's sister and Hallie's best friend. Anthea is married with 2 kids, and the most steady of all the characters.
Hallie and Jim spend most of the book fighting their attraction while Hallie has to follow the mandates of her dad's will.
Hallie does have to deal with Jim's late wife's shadow. They deal with it in the open and it gets them both moving forward in their own relationship. Hallie and Jim's chemistry is hot. They have to keep it secret while Jim and Hallie try to figure out who is trying to get rid of her.
There's a slow burn, but the build up is very good. Nothing but challenges.
Hallie's been on her own. Jim is used to being in charge.
I'm taking .05 of a star off for a little slow up in the middle.
Another .05 off for the long separation. Jim and Hallie started new as adults. I loved how they both admitted how it went so wrong when they were teens. Henry was so cruel. There were so many people that suffered because of him. Hallie spent a lot of her time making up for him. I loved that she thought for herself and was such a kind person. I loved this and highly recommend it. Complete standalone & an HEA.
*A brief request: I wish that Ms James would number her chapters.
ARC from NetGalley.
February 6, 2017
Review now posted:
This is going to be a rant. I originally rated it 3 stars, but after reading my review, I remembered why this book didn't work for me, so I'm changing it to 2. Spoilers ahead so don't read if you don't want to know.
Second chance romances are really tricky for me because more often than not, only one of the characters manages to move on and make a good life for themselves. Like in this one.
Jim is the twin brother of Hallie's best friend, Anthea. When Hallie is 17, she ends up losing her virginity to Jim (who she has been half in love with since forever) before he ships off to the military and they go their separate ways. For fourteen years, they've had no contact whatsoever. During the time they're separated, Jim has a bloody great life! He meets Maya. What starts off as being a casual thing, turns pretty serious when she gets pregnant. It's not until Jim comes home from a stint overseas and sees his baby daughter, he realizes what he wants, and that's Maya and his daughter. He falls madly in love with his wife and is truly happy. But of course, tragedy strikes and Maya gets sick. Long story short, the love of his life dies. Two years later, he thinks he might be ready to move on, but only for some fun.
Enter Hallie. She moves back to her hometown because her father, who was an evil arsehole, dies and his will leaves conditions on her receiving her inheritance. And then you realize that poor Hallie has had very little happiness in her life. Her father was a hateful piece of shit that she had absolutely nothing to do with for the past five years. But it's not like she had a mother who cared enough about her to make things good. No; her mother divorced the POS because she knew it was the right thing for HER. Fuck doing anything that would help her daughter in any way. She ends up leaving her daughter behind with the man she divorced...because why the hell not? The mother ended up having a great life, too. In fact, everyone in this story does.
Except Hallie.
Yes, she has 'relationships' (if that's what you want to call sleeping with a guy for a few months or so before breaking it off), but not once in all that time since she's been gone, was she ever happy. Or even content. Why do authors do this? Jim was the one who left and essentially broke her heart. And while he had valid reasons to stay away, I still think he was relieved to get let off the hook as he wasn't interested in anything with Hallie other than sex. (And once he got it, he was outta there!) So he fucks up, but he's the one that ends up with the great life. Had Maya lived, Hallie wouldn't even be an afterthought for him. She was nothing until she became convenient. Thankfully, she wasn't celibate because otherwise I'd have to break my kindle with how stupid I was for even reading this in the first place. It's just disappointing when you have a second chance romance and the one whose heart gets broken is ALWAYS the one who only gets her HEA because the true love of the hero's life has conveniently died.
*Netgalley ARC*
This is going to be a rant. I originally rated it 3 stars, but after reading my review, I remembered why this book didn't work for me, so I'm changing it to 2. Spoilers ahead so don't read if you don't want to know.
Second chance romances are really tricky for me because more often than not, only one of the characters manages to move on and make a good life for themselves. Like in this one.
Jim is the twin brother of Hallie's best friend, Anthea. When Hallie is 17, she ends up losing her virginity to Jim (who she has been half in love with since forever) before he ships off to the military and they go their separate ways. For fourteen years, they've had no contact whatsoever. During the time they're separated, Jim has a bloody great life! He meets Maya. What starts off as being a casual thing, turns pretty serious when she gets pregnant. It's not until Jim comes home from a stint overseas and sees his baby daughter, he realizes what he wants, and that's Maya and his daughter. He falls madly in love with his wife and is truly happy. But of course, tragedy strikes and Maya gets sick. Long story short, the love of his life dies. Two years later, he thinks he might be ready to move on, but only for some fun.
Enter Hallie. She moves back to her hometown because her father, who was an evil arsehole, dies and his will leaves conditions on her receiving her inheritance. And then you realize that poor Hallie has had very little happiness in her life. Her father was a hateful piece of shit that she had absolutely nothing to do with for the past five years. But it's not like she had a mother who cared enough about her to make things good. No; her mother divorced the POS because she knew it was the right thing for HER. Fuck doing anything that would help her daughter in any way. She ends up leaving her daughter behind with the man she divorced...because why the hell not? The mother ended up having a great life, too. In fact, everyone in this story does.
Except Hallie.
Yes, she has 'relationships' (if that's what you want to call sleeping with a guy for a few months or so before breaking it off), but not once in all that time since she's been gone, was she ever happy. Or even content. Why do authors do this? Jim was the one who left and essentially broke her heart. And while he had valid reasons to stay away, I still think he was relieved to get let off the hook as he wasn't interested in anything with Hallie other than sex. (And once he got it, he was outta there!) So he fucks up, but he's the one that ends up with the great life. Had Maya lived, Hallie wouldn't even be an afterthought for him. She was nothing until she became convenient. Thankfully, she wasn't celibate because otherwise I'd have to break my kindle with how stupid I was for even reading this in the first place. It's just disappointing when you have a second chance romance and the one whose heart gets broken is ALWAYS the one who only gets her HEA because the true love of the hero's life has conveniently died.
*Netgalley ARC*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2017
This one was a bit of a suspense book. Someone in their small town is a killer and you don't know who until the end.
Hallie's father died unexpectedly and a little suspiciously.
In his will he was leaving millions to his two kids and his brother. But the only way Hallie gets her share is if she moves back to Paradise for 6 months and doesn't have a sexual relationship with Jim.
If she is unable to do either than her share gets split between her brother and her uncle.
Now someone is trying to run her out of town and is trying to catch her with Jim.
Jim is a cop who is now a single dad of an 11 year old daughter. His wife passed away 2 years ago from cancer. He had taken Hallies virginity years ago before her father ran him out of town and he joined the army. Now she is back and he can't resist her even though there are millions to be lost if they sleep together.
I really enjoyed most of this book. I felt some areas dragged along and the ending was super rushed. I liked the suspense of not knowing who the killer was and that kept me reading to find who it was. I think the author could have stretched the ending out a little bit more. Instead it was like 'Bam' here's who the killer is 'The End'.
I would be interested in reading the others in this series still. This is book 4 but can def be read as a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
April 4, 2017
Well... I don't know ... It was good but it could be better.
Review coming.... but for start lets say 2.5 stars!!!
Review coming.... but for start lets say 2.5 stars!!!
November 21, 2017
Take Me Back was the fourth book in Rosalind James’ Paradise Idaho series. It was enjoyable and entertaining.
Hallie Cavanaugh was beautiful, strong and independent. She was living in Seattle as a high school teacher and she hadn’t been back to her hometown of Paradise for five years. Jim Lawson was the sexy and masculine Deputy Sheriff in Paradise. He was also a widower and a single father. Hallie and Jim had history and it ended badly. Her visit home was the first time their paths crossed in fourteen years.
Take Me Back was told in a triple POV: Jim, Hallie and an unknown “visitor.” The unknown visitor was part of the mystery and added complexity to the storyline.
The premise of the story was set from the beginning: Hallie’s dad died and he was a hideous man and hated by all. He wasn’t exactly murdered, but the boundaries were blurred. He was also a rich and powerful man, destined to make life miserable for those around him. Hallie had left him and had no contact with him for the last five years of his life. Hallie returned to Paradise for her father’s funeral since it was required as part of her inheritance.
To this point, none of this was spoilers since all was part of the book description or the first few chapters, but it did create the necessary foundation for the storyline. James then began unraveling the details of Hallie and Jim’s lives from past to present, detailing how the supporting cast within the small town impacted each other and then piecing the puzzle together for the suspenseful plot.
Although well written and well developed, I struggled with facets of the relationship. My struggle aligned with my preferred direction of the storyline specific to the relationship with the daughter and the late wife, not with the skill which it was written and developed. It was simply a personal preference.
Otherwise, it was a page-turner and a fast read for a 400+ novel. I was captivated and intrigued. Hopefully there will be more in the Paradise, Idaho series, although it appears this may be the end. Either way, it’s not the end for James’ writing and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
Hallie Cavanaugh was beautiful, strong and independent. She was living in Seattle as a high school teacher and she hadn’t been back to her hometown of Paradise for five years. Jim Lawson was the sexy and masculine Deputy Sheriff in Paradise. He was also a widower and a single father. Hallie and Jim had history and it ended badly. Her visit home was the first time their paths crossed in fourteen years.
Take Me Back was told in a triple POV: Jim, Hallie and an unknown “visitor.” The unknown visitor was part of the mystery and added complexity to the storyline.
The premise of the story was set from the beginning: Hallie’s dad died and he was a hideous man and hated by all. He wasn’t exactly murdered, but the boundaries were blurred. He was also a rich and powerful man, destined to make life miserable for those around him. Hallie had left him and had no contact with him for the last five years of his life. Hallie returned to Paradise for her father’s funeral since it was required as part of her inheritance.
To this point, none of this was spoilers since all was part of the book description or the first few chapters, but it did create the necessary foundation for the storyline. James then began unraveling the details of Hallie and Jim’s lives from past to present, detailing how the supporting cast within the small town impacted each other and then piecing the puzzle together for the suspenseful plot.
Although well written and well developed, I struggled with facets of the relationship. My struggle aligned with my preferred direction of the storyline specific to the relationship with the daughter and the late wife, not with the skill which it was written and developed. It was simply a personal preference.
Otherwise, it was a page-turner and a fast read for a 400+ novel. I was captivated and intrigued. Hopefully there will be more in the Paradise, Idaho series, although it appears this may be the end. Either way, it’s not the end for James’ writing and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
April 22, 2017
This book has it all: romance, mistery and murder. Although at first, I thought it was kind of long (almost 500 pages, ouch!), now I can assure that it was perfect. In every sense.
I really liked the characters, there weren't too many suspicious characters, which was better. The flashbacks are important for the story, to get to know the character's past, but they aren't so long that you lose what you were reading before the flashback. I really enjoyed the three different points of view.
And the end... totally unexpected.
I really liked the characters, there weren't too many suspicious characters, which was better. The flashbacks are important for the story, to get to know the character's past, but they aren't so long that you lose what you were reading before the flashback. I really enjoyed the three different points of view.
And the end... totally unexpected.
March 7, 2017
I really liked the last 15% of the book but not so much the first 85% of the book, so I'm having a really difficult time deciding how to rate and review this one.
I like Rosalind James' writing style, but in the Paradise, Idaho series I've found myself at odds with some of her characters and some of her plot points. In Take Me Back, the suspense/mystery aspects of this book were very slow and low key - barely making an appearance and that was disappointing. Until the very end of the story, the suspense elements were just a framework for Jim and Hallie's romance. And I found that I didn't particularly like their romance.
Rosalind created a great scene which Jim describes the loss of his wife and son. It's heart wrenching - Ms. James does an excellent job on this scene. But what also went through my head was it doesn't make him a great guy. Enduring this loss doesn't make everything else OK. He isn't thinking about what Hallie needs or wants. He just is thinking about the fact that he's horny and wants her. He has the impulse control of a toddler.
Much like how he treated her when they were teenagers. His life went on. He had a family. He moved on without thinking about her. Her life stalled out. She couldn't make real relationships. What little relationship she had with her parents was poor - and because they were selfish people who didn't care enough about her. What she needed was someone who looked out for her; who cared about her.
And if Hallie has a sexual relationship with Jim she basically loses her inheritance - which is like millions. All they have to do is wait 6 months and at one point it's down to 3 months. But they are like horny teenagers being dishonest with everyone and screwing around. This also means that Jim is lying straight faced to his daughter who pretty much asked him point blank. I skipped so many of their scenes together as I ended up not liking either party. She's so desperate for sex with him she can't wait. And hey, it's not like he would be losing any money so why would he look out for her best interest. I was fed up and irritated.
And then when she puts him off, reminding him that she intends to go back to what she considers her home (not Paradise which has been nothing by misery and bad memories) he gets all self-righteous and gives a nasty speech. And when he was talking about emotions, it sounded like how he felt about Maya (his late wife), not how he felt about Hallie. Through most of the book, I really didn't like Jim which left me not understanding why Hallie was so hot for him.
In the end, I didn't feel the romance, skipped the sex scenes and felt the suspense plot which could have been good was underdeveloped.
Thanks to Net Galley and Montlake Romance for an ARC of this book.
I like Rosalind James' writing style, but in the Paradise, Idaho series I've found myself at odds with some of her characters and some of her plot points. In Take Me Back, the suspense/mystery aspects of this book were very slow and low key - barely making an appearance and that was disappointing. Until the very end of the story, the suspense elements were just a framework for Jim and Hallie's romance. And I found that I didn't particularly like their romance.
Rosalind created a great scene which Jim describes the loss of his wife and son. It's heart wrenching - Ms. James does an excellent job on this scene. But what also went through my head was it doesn't make him a great guy. Enduring this loss doesn't make everything else OK. He isn't thinking about what Hallie needs or wants. He just is thinking about the fact that he's horny and wants her. He has the impulse control of a toddler.
Much like how he treated her when they were teenagers. His life went on. He had a family. He moved on without thinking about her. Her life stalled out. She couldn't make real relationships. What little relationship she had with her parents was poor - and because they were selfish people who didn't care enough about her. What she needed was someone who looked out for her; who cared about her.
And if Hallie has a sexual relationship with Jim she basically loses her inheritance - which is like millions. All they have to do is wait 6 months and at one point it's down to 3 months. But they are like horny teenagers being dishonest with everyone and screwing around. This also means that Jim is lying straight faced to his daughter who pretty much asked him point blank. I skipped so many of their scenes together as I ended up not liking either party. She's so desperate for sex with him she can't wait. And hey, it's not like he would be losing any money so why would he look out for her best interest. I was fed up and irritated.
And then when she puts him off, reminding him that she intends to go back to what she considers her home (not Paradise which has been nothing by misery and bad memories) he gets all self-righteous and gives a nasty speech. And when he was talking about emotions, it sounded like how he felt about Maya (his late wife), not how he felt about Hallie. Through most of the book, I really didn't like Jim which left me not understanding why Hallie was so hot for him.
In the end, I didn't feel the romance, skipped the sex scenes and felt the suspense plot which could have been good was underdeveloped.
Thanks to Net Galley and Montlake Romance for an ARC of this book.
January 1, 2017
Hallie Cavanaugh left Paradise, Idaho years ago and has never looked back. Until her father's death compels her to attend the funeral.
Henry Cavanagh was an obnoxious, manipulative blackmailer in life and his will tries to do the same after his death. Hallie gets his million dollar house and its contents outright but to get a share of his fortune she needs to spend six months in the house AND not have a sexual relationship with Jim Lawson.
Jim Lawson was the original bad boy to Hallie's good girl at school but since then he's straightened up, become a cop, and is a widower with a daughter, Mac. But when Hallie comes back to town all the old feelings come flooding to the surface.
As secrets come to light and Jim and Hallie fight their sexual attraction someone is trying to get Hallie to leave Paradise, but who?
I really enjoyed this book, I see that this is the fourth in a series - I was not aware of this when I was reading the book and I would say this could definitely be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed this book, there is a good balance between the sexual tension and the escalating attacks on Hallie as the secrets of the past gradually unravel. I think what sets this apart from other mystery-romances is the depth of the emotional connections and the backstory. Jim and Hallie talk through their feelings and past events.
I ran the full range of emotions reading this book, I cried when I read about Jim's wife, I was shouting in my head towards the end, and I laughed out loud at some of the events.
Recommended for those who enjoy a realistic thriller romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Henry Cavanagh was an obnoxious, manipulative blackmailer in life and his will tries to do the same after his death. Hallie gets his million dollar house and its contents outright but to get a share of his fortune she needs to spend six months in the house AND not have a sexual relationship with Jim Lawson.
Jim Lawson was the original bad boy to Hallie's good girl at school but since then he's straightened up, become a cop, and is a widower with a daughter, Mac. But when Hallie comes back to town all the old feelings come flooding to the surface.
As secrets come to light and Jim and Hallie fight their sexual attraction someone is trying to get Hallie to leave Paradise, but who?
I really enjoyed this book, I see that this is the fourth in a series - I was not aware of this when I was reading the book and I would say this could definitely be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed this book, there is a good balance between the sexual tension and the escalating attacks on Hallie as the secrets of the past gradually unravel. I think what sets this apart from other mystery-romances is the depth of the emotional connections and the backstory. Jim and Hallie talk through their feelings and past events.
I ran the full range of emotions reading this book, I cried when I read about Jim's wife, I was shouting in my head towards the end, and I laughed out loud at some of the events.
Recommended for those who enjoy a realistic thriller romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 25, 2019
Milk chocolate - that's what Rosalind James' books are - milk chocolate. Not at all unpleasant; in fact, entirely satisfying in their way. But, ultimately, without the bite and depth of dark bitter chocolate.
Only a narrow cross-section of life features in an RJ story - the MCs are fine hetero cis specimens, there's a rural setting, small-town values, an ease with guns and a singular lack of diverse characters (not even a token gay BFF). From time to time, if I want a Nora Roberts without the home renovation sub-plot, I'll read & enjoy a Rosalind James - she has a good line in H/h back-chat - but each time I read one, I become a little more conscious of what's not there.
Only a narrow cross-section of life features in an RJ story - the MCs are fine hetero cis specimens, there's a rural setting, small-town values, an ease with guns and a singular lack of diverse characters (not even a token gay BFF). From time to time, if I want a Nora Roberts without the home renovation sub-plot, I'll read & enjoy a Rosalind James - she has a good line in H/h back-chat - but each time I read one, I become a little more conscious of what's not there.
August 15, 2023
My favourite in this series. Hallie and Jim both have complex back stories including their first tryst 14 years ago. Hallie's father ensured a speedy end to the relationship, but now he is dead and Hallie is back in Paradise. Jim's first wife died two years ago leaving to bring up their 11 year old daughter. Hallie's father's will provides a number of surprises and requires Hallie to stay in Paradise for six months to receive her inheritance. She may also not have a relationship with Jim during this time. And somebody may want to prevent her from inheriting. Lovely characters and a fun romantic read.
August 5, 2025
Book 4 in a series I have only read book 2 and I really didn't like it much. I bought several of this series on audible so will try to see if this one is better. I normally like this author a lot, so book 2 was a huge downer for me. Book 4 is about Hallie Cavanaugh who has to return to town for her father's funeral - a command by the attorney not a request. She never wanted to set foot in this town again.
She left town behind and has no intention to stay any longer than necessary. Her father Henry was a mean, despicable, manipulative and used his extreme wealth to abuse and crush everyone. He was well hated by the town. On her way to funeral the first person Hallie runs into is Jim Lawson, her first love who broke her heart and crushed her. He was a bad boy back in the day but is now a deputy, single dad with a daughter and thinks the death of her father is a murder, however the detective in charge rules it an accident.
When the will states Hallie has to live in the house for 6 months and NOT have a relationship with Jim Lawson things heat up. Someone is trying to scare her out of town starting with hate letters, graffiti then more serious attempts. She and Jim have a chemistry they can't ignore and when they both find out what really happened to break them 14 yrs ago it is shocking and brings them closer.
A satisfying romantic suspense with well developed characters and exciting end to the mystery. There is a really nice HEA epilogue.
She left town behind and has no intention to stay any longer than necessary. Her father Henry was a mean, despicable, manipulative and used his extreme wealth to abuse and crush everyone. He was well hated by the town. On her way to funeral the first person Hallie runs into is Jim Lawson, her first love who broke her heart and crushed her. He was a bad boy back in the day but is now a deputy, single dad with a daughter and thinks the death of her father is a murder, however the detective in charge rules it an accident.
When the will states Hallie has to live in the house for 6 months and NOT have a relationship with Jim Lawson things heat up. Someone is trying to scare her out of town starting with hate letters, graffiti then more serious attempts. She and Jim have a chemistry they can't ignore and when they both find out what really happened to break them 14 yrs ago it is shocking and brings them closer.
A satisfying romantic suspense with well developed characters and exciting end to the mystery. There is a really nice HEA epilogue.
January 15, 2019
Great ending to a great series! I think this one was my favorite of the four books.
March 3, 2017
Unfortunately, having read some of the author's previous novels which I enjoyed, I thought I was in for a treat with this one. How wrong I was. This book just didn't do it for me. I started quickly skimming through fast so I could just reach the freaking end. Talk about a long, boring and overly descriptive story. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and the whole scenario of the heroine and hero not talking for years, that she's mad with him, was ridiculous. I also didn't enjoy the way it was written when it came to the killer. It was the killer did this, the killer did that, the killer couldn't believe this or that, etc. If the author was trying for suspense here it didn't work with me. But hey, just because I didn't like it doesn't mean you will too.
February 7, 2017
4 1/2 stars
Great mystery romance book! The book starts out with a murder of billionaire Henry Cavanaugh. But it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy (sarcasm)! But who is the killer? Author Rosalind James does a masterful job at keeping her reader guessing who the murderer could be right up until the very end of the book. We are introduced to each suspect, learn their history with the deceased and given their motive is for wanting to kill him. Oh, so many suspects!
Jim Lawson is a sheriff and detective in the small of Paradise. He and his partner are assigned to the Cavanaugh murder case. While they begin to investigate they must notify Henry's only child. Estranged daughter, Hallie Cavanaugh. Someone Jim Lawson is very familiar with!
Hallie comes back to Paradise for her estranged fathers funeral but only because his lawyer says she must be present for the reading of the will. Hallie had thought her father had written her out of the will so she was surprised when she was summoned. The reading of the will is full of surprises as are the people who were summoned. Of course the will itself leads to many suspects. Not everyone leaves happy about what the billionaire left or didn't leave them.
Hallie and Jim seem to still have a strong attraction to one another but they can't get involved for reasons I won't spoil for you here. But while Hallie is back living in the mansion she grew up in she begins to get threats telling her to leave town. Throughout the book the threats escalate as does the sexual tension between Hallie and Jim. Sexual tension that must be released!
This book will take hold of you from the first page to the last. The cast of characters are interesting and well written. The suspense leaves you hanging until the very end.
This book is a standalone with a HEA! I highly recommend it.
I reviewed this book so that other readers may enjoy it as well.
Great mystery romance book! The book starts out with a murder of billionaire Henry Cavanaugh. But it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy (sarcasm)! But who is the killer? Author Rosalind James does a masterful job at keeping her reader guessing who the murderer could be right up until the very end of the book. We are introduced to each suspect, learn their history with the deceased and given their motive is for wanting to kill him. Oh, so many suspects!
Jim Lawson is a sheriff and detective in the small of Paradise. He and his partner are assigned to the Cavanaugh murder case. While they begin to investigate they must notify Henry's only child. Estranged daughter, Hallie Cavanaugh. Someone Jim Lawson is very familiar with!
Hallie comes back to Paradise for her estranged fathers funeral but only because his lawyer says she must be present for the reading of the will. Hallie had thought her father had written her out of the will so she was surprised when she was summoned. The reading of the will is full of surprises as are the people who were summoned. Of course the will itself leads to many suspects. Not everyone leaves happy about what the billionaire left or didn't leave them.
Hallie and Jim seem to still have a strong attraction to one another but they can't get involved for reasons I won't spoil for you here. But while Hallie is back living in the mansion she grew up in she begins to get threats telling her to leave town. Throughout the book the threats escalate as does the sexual tension between Hallie and Jim. Sexual tension that must be released!
This book will take hold of you from the first page to the last. The cast of characters are interesting and well written. The suspense leaves you hanging until the very end.
This book is a standalone with a HEA! I highly recommend it.
I reviewed this book so that other readers may enjoy it as well.
October 31, 2016
Another great book from Rosalind. I love her suspense books because they are enough to keep me interested but not too much that I can't sleep at night! Ha!
Hallie is a wonderful lead, strong female. I love a girl that can take care of herself! I loved the back story of Hallie and Jim too. Definitely ended with a twist that I enjoyed! I like when I can't figure out the ending easily :)
A fourth great book in the Paradise series! Worth the time to read!
Hallie is a wonderful lead, strong female. I love a girl that can take care of herself! I loved the back story of Hallie and Jim too. Definitely ended with a twist that I enjoyed! I like when I can't figure out the ending easily :)
A fourth great book in the Paradise series! Worth the time to read!
June 25, 2017
I actually really liked the book. Very good romantic suspense. Followed a pretty predictable story line, but it works. I would've rated it higher but there were a few things that held me back. The sexual tension was palpable. I absolutely loved that the first time they reunite sexually took a lot of time. My problem lies with the actual scene at the hotel. Their sex scene could've so explosive, but instead I felt like I was reading a book from the early 80's. The scene was glossed over with flowery words. I felt completely let down. I seriously almost quit reading after that. Good thing I pushed through. The scenes that followed were much better. I never felt like they wouldn't make it together. I usually like my books with a lot more angst, but this book was suspenseful enough to keep me turning the pages. I started, by accident, with book four. About to order the first three now. And they're Kindle Unlimited. Woohoo!
October 12, 2022
Hallie Cavanaugh’s late father died under questionable circumstances, so she has returned home for the first time in 5 years. Her father left her millions, as long as she stays away from Jim Lawson, deputy sheriff of Paradise, Idaho, and the man who broke her heart fourteen years ago.
March 10, 2017
WOW! A romance and a murder mystery combine here in a terrific story. The characters and the plot pulled me in from the beginning and kept me involved through the Epilogue.
Ms James is a fabulous writer!
Ms James is a fabulous writer!
November 7, 2016
I have not read a Rosalind James book in a little while and I have found that she has yet again given me a full range of emotions and spice and all that's nice to get lost in and journey with these Paradise-ers who .... Sorry to say, for a small town have some serious stuff going on there!
This journey takes us with Jim and Hallie who were once sweet on each other and get an opportunity to heal their mistakes and hurts in a second chance, but as all in Paradise the name is merely skin deep. We get to see emotional trauma, and some of the worst kind too ... Parent to child, husband to wife and overbearing men taking advantage of desperate single mothers. People who enjoy breaking and hurting others.
We begin the first chapter with a murder of a hateful man who traumatized his daughter emotionally until she escaped and now as an adult has self confidence issues but thanks to some great friends and a stubborn streak she rises above and grabs a hold of her corner of the earth.
We see a troubled young man fighting his own demons, some are society bred, well most are but he overcomes with the love of family and a woman whose purpose seemed to grace him with that ability to rise above, then dies allowing our H/h to get their second chance at a love that was cut way too short.
We don't stop there at all because although books can be written on the pure tug a war of life and love and rebuilding one's self, past relationships, releasing rage and burden and just being part of a new dynamic, Ms James does NOT stop there! She ups the ante and includes murder, intrigue, arson, car crashes, greed, even sick pedophilia all woven into this multi layered fabric of a couple of people in a small town who rekindle an attraction that finally gets to a chanc to blossom and grow to a true love and family.
My only grouse is that in the first half of the book Jim, our H has a pre-teen daughter whom he raises on his own and we are told of his devotion yet there is little of Mac, the daughter in his scenarios eventhough she is somewhat mature for her age. I appreciate that the story is really at that point building the tension and drama of the scene to come and it's more about explaining the main characters and their lives and who they have become; but a deputy sheriff with protective issues and a by-the-book guy would think of his kid a bit more and involve her as she seems his lock in his world until Hallie allows him to remember he still has much life left to live.
Putting that aside you really are in for it as you laugh and cry and there is a lot of biting of nails and sleuthing as you waiver between characters as to who is the real villain and then wham!!! A car crash, near death experiences, fires and explosions later we check our envelope to see if we are correct... Mr Green with the candlestick in the ballroom.
A Rosalind James novel that has spice, and you're sure it's a steamy bit of it too... Yummy... Intrigue with murder and mayhem but always some great characters, a boat load of emotions and another of my favs a HEA. In a word it's a COMPLETE!
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own."
This journey takes us with Jim and Hallie who were once sweet on each other and get an opportunity to heal their mistakes and hurts in a second chance, but as all in Paradise the name is merely skin deep. We get to see emotional trauma, and some of the worst kind too ... Parent to child, husband to wife and overbearing men taking advantage of desperate single mothers. People who enjoy breaking and hurting others.
We begin the first chapter with a murder of a hateful man who traumatized his daughter emotionally until she escaped and now as an adult has self confidence issues but thanks to some great friends and a stubborn streak she rises above and grabs a hold of her corner of the earth.
We see a troubled young man fighting his own demons, some are society bred, well most are but he overcomes with the love of family and a woman whose purpose seemed to grace him with that ability to rise above, then dies allowing our H/h to get their second chance at a love that was cut way too short.
We don't stop there at all because although books can be written on the pure tug a war of life and love and rebuilding one's self, past relationships, releasing rage and burden and just being part of a new dynamic, Ms James does NOT stop there! She ups the ante and includes murder, intrigue, arson, car crashes, greed, even sick pedophilia all woven into this multi layered fabric of a couple of people in a small town who rekindle an attraction that finally gets to a chanc to blossom and grow to a true love and family.
My only grouse is that in the first half of the book Jim, our H has a pre-teen daughter whom he raises on his own and we are told of his devotion yet there is little of Mac, the daughter in his scenarios eventhough she is somewhat mature for her age. I appreciate that the story is really at that point building the tension and drama of the scene to come and it's more about explaining the main characters and their lives and who they have become; but a deputy sheriff with protective issues and a by-the-book guy would think of his kid a bit more and involve her as she seems his lock in his world until Hallie allows him to remember he still has much life left to live.
Putting that aside you really are in for it as you laugh and cry and there is a lot of biting of nails and sleuthing as you waiver between characters as to who is the real villain and then wham!!! A car crash, near death experiences, fires and explosions later we check our envelope to see if we are correct... Mr Green with the candlestick in the ballroom.
A Rosalind James novel that has spice, and you're sure it's a steamy bit of it too... Yummy... Intrigue with murder and mayhem but always some great characters, a boat load of emotions and another of my favs a HEA. In a word it's a COMPLETE!
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own."
February 10, 2017
4 Star Review of Take Me Back (Paradise, Idaho #4) by Rosalind James
Rosalind James has a talent for romantic suspense and book number four in this series was just as enjoyable to read as the previous books.
Hallie Cavanaugh left Paradise, Idaho behind a long time ago and hasn't been back; that is until the death of her father that brings her back for his funeral and the reading of his will.
The last thing she needs or wants is to encounter Jim Lawson, the deputy sheriff, the man who broke her heart fourteen years ago.
All Jim, a widower, wants to do is his job, raise his daughter and avoid Hallie, the constant reminder of a bad boy past. From the grave Henry Cavanaugh continues to manipulate his daughter. The terms of his will mean that Hallie gets the house and contents but to get her share of his fortunes she needs to spend six months in the house and not have a sexual relationship with Jim Lawson. Of course that is the difficulty as the sexual attraction between Jim and Hallie has not disappeared.
However, not everyone is happy that Hallie has returned to town to claim her inheritance, particularly the person that murdered her father Henry. When Hallie is threatened, Jim knows that he will do whatever he can to protect her.
Ms. James characters are always strong, particularly the women and Hallie was no exception.
I really liked her and Jim and it was great to read about their history as they try and navigate a future together.
Take Me Back was at times a gripping read; there were a few twists and turns that had me guessing but I eventually figured out who the villain was. Mystery, romance , suspense, it was all there and I look forward to reading more from Ms. James.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher.
Rosalind James has a talent for romantic suspense and book number four in this series was just as enjoyable to read as the previous books.
Hallie Cavanaugh left Paradise, Idaho behind a long time ago and hasn't been back; that is until the death of her father that brings her back for his funeral and the reading of his will.
The last thing she needs or wants is to encounter Jim Lawson, the deputy sheriff, the man who broke her heart fourteen years ago.
All Jim, a widower, wants to do is his job, raise his daughter and avoid Hallie, the constant reminder of a bad boy past. From the grave Henry Cavanaugh continues to manipulate his daughter. The terms of his will mean that Hallie gets the house and contents but to get her share of his fortunes she needs to spend six months in the house and not have a sexual relationship with Jim Lawson. Of course that is the difficulty as the sexual attraction between Jim and Hallie has not disappeared.
However, not everyone is happy that Hallie has returned to town to claim her inheritance, particularly the person that murdered her father Henry. When Hallie is threatened, Jim knows that he will do whatever he can to protect her.
Ms. James characters are always strong, particularly the women and Hallie was no exception.
I really liked her and Jim and it was great to read about their history as they try and navigate a future together.
Take Me Back was at times a gripping read; there were a few twists and turns that had me guessing but I eventually figured out who the villain was. Mystery, romance , suspense, it was all there and I look forward to reading more from Ms. James.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher.
April 7, 2022
This is a tense, emotional story. It will make you laugh, and cry, and it is almost as much a thriller as a romance. The story begins with the suspicious death of wealthy businessman Henry Cavanaugh, an unpleasant man who rides roughshod over everyone. His daughter Hallie has not been home to Paradise, Idaho, in more than five years. She had a very difficult relationship with her father, he was as unpleasant to her as he was to everyone else, but she was made to stay with him when her mother divorced him and left the area.
She did not wish to go to the funeral, but her father's will required her to attend. She is late, and speeding to get there when she is pulled over by a policeman, Jim Lawson, a widower, which makes her even later. They have history, and when both of them are required to attend the reading of the will they discover a surprising connection. Jim's twin sister Anthea is a lawyer, and Hallie's best friend.
The terms of the will force her to stay in Paradise for at least six months, in her father's house; not allowed to spend more than three nights in any calendar month away from the house, if she wants to receive her inheritance. But things start to happen, someone clearly wants her to leave, or maybe more than one person. Jim and his fellow police officers need to find out who it is before anything really serious happens. It is very tense and exciting in places.
If I had to find a fault it would be that the person trying to get her to leave is referred to as 'the killer' throughout. We can surmise early on that this is most likely one of two people who were at the reading of the will. I think that it would have been every bit as suspenseful and appropriate if the murderer had been referred to sometimes as just 'he'. But that is a very minor issue.
Overall this is a fantastic read, well worth the full five stars.
She did not wish to go to the funeral, but her father's will required her to attend. She is late, and speeding to get there when she is pulled over by a policeman, Jim Lawson, a widower, which makes her even later. They have history, and when both of them are required to attend the reading of the will they discover a surprising connection. Jim's twin sister Anthea is a lawyer, and Hallie's best friend.
The terms of the will force her to stay in Paradise for at least six months, in her father's house; not allowed to spend more than three nights in any calendar month away from the house, if she wants to receive her inheritance. But things start to happen, someone clearly wants her to leave, or maybe more than one person. Jim and his fellow police officers need to find out who it is before anything really serious happens. It is very tense and exciting in places.
If I had to find a fault it would be that the person trying to get her to leave is referred to as 'the killer' throughout. We can surmise early on that this is most likely one of two people who were at the reading of the will. I think that it would have been every bit as suspenseful and appropriate if the murderer had been referred to sometimes as just 'he'. But that is a very minor issue.
Overall this is a fantastic read, well worth the full five stars.
November 3, 2016
Great new book in the Patadise, Idaho series by Rosalind James. Hallie is a wonderful character. She's strong, independent, generous and vulnerable. She rebelled against her tyrannical father, only to have to have to come back to her small town when he dies, and has to face her past as well as her future, with the people she had left behind.
This book has it all! Intrigue, mystery, romance and hot, sexy scenes. It can definitely be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading all of the books on this series! I can't wait for the next one!
This book has it all! Intrigue, mystery, romance and hot, sexy scenes. It can definitely be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading all of the books on this series! I can't wait for the next one!
November 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, though I found myself wishing the heroine was a bit less "good". She was emotionally abused by her father and emotionally abandoned by her mother. She broke free from him and made a satisfying life for herself, but he's managed to reel her back to her hometown with a legacy that's hard to resist.
I liked the way she handled that situation. I loved the hero and the way their story unfolded. The suspense part was the weakest for me. The escalation felt out of place, somehow. I needed more explanation or motivation for the actions of the villain.
I liked the way she handled that situation. I loved the hero and the way their story unfolded. The suspense part was the weakest for me. The escalation felt out of place, somehow. I needed more explanation or motivation for the actions of the villain.
November 6, 2016
Loved “Take Me Back”! I appreciate it when a misunderstanding is something that could really happen and not something so contrived that you roll your eyes and think get over it! The whole family will with attachments can always be a tricky storyline, but Rosalind managed to pull it off. I had a hard time putting the book down and felt sad when the story was over because I liked the characters so much I didn’t want it to be done!
December 17, 2018
Take My Back has left me in complete awe and utter appreciation of Rosalind James! This book is pure heart and unabashed hope made stronger and fiercer through hardships and danger. Nothing is better or stronger than the ties of family, and this story lays out how those bonds are formed both with blood and by choice. The precious pages of this book show us all of the wonderful and painful parts of lust melding into pure love. Every step in between on this fabulous journey will delight and fascinate you as walk this path with the incredible characters you discover along the way. Sit back, relax, and hold on tight because you will lose your mind, your heart, and your very soul on this unforgettable adventure!
Hallie had to learn that things in life are better when they are tender and full of passion rather than harsh and painfully cold. When life took everything and more from her, she fled at the first opportunity that came her way. She hated to leave behind those she loved, but she was sure there would be nothing left of her after being constantly put down and pounded into the very ground. When a family tragedy calls her home, she decides to face her past and come home. Jim can’t put into words the revelation and feelings that rush through him at finally seeing Hallie after so many years apart. His life is already set in stone, so he knows nothing can come of it, but his heart hasn’t received that memo nor will it accept it. Since there are still ties that bind Hallie to his family, he knows he can’t hide from her, and he finds that he doesn’t want to. Will the past rear its hideous head and crush the secret dreams and hopes that Hallie and Jim still cling to in the darkest recesses of their heart, or will the soft life and strength of hope lead them onto a rugged path that will guide then safely to the other side?
I can sympathize with Hallie a lot in my own life, and I know how wonderful people like her best friend and Jim were in her life. They brought with them a light like nothing else when they walked into her world. They surrounded her with love, power, comfort, and peace that only pure love can imbue. Her world was small but precious and she lost so much until she returned home. Facing your choices and their consequences is the hardest thing you can every do, but when those choices were out of your hands, that makes the outcome so much darker and harder to deal with. Thankfully, when loves comes into your life so does hope which can help you conquer your fears, your unknown future, and anything else that comes your way. Never stop hoping and never stop living!
This is the first book that I have read by Rosalind James, and I fell so hard in love with every part of it. It was a tough story to hold onto and yet it was overflowing with so much possibility. I loved that dichotomy! It literally took my breath away! The characters were incredible, and the wonderful storyline held me captive until the very end. I can’t wait to read another of her books, and I hope that you will not miss out on what a fantastic writer she is!
Hallie had to learn that things in life are better when they are tender and full of passion rather than harsh and painfully cold. When life took everything and more from her, she fled at the first opportunity that came her way. She hated to leave behind those she loved, but she was sure there would be nothing left of her after being constantly put down and pounded into the very ground. When a family tragedy calls her home, she decides to face her past and come home. Jim can’t put into words the revelation and feelings that rush through him at finally seeing Hallie after so many years apart. His life is already set in stone, so he knows nothing can come of it, but his heart hasn’t received that memo nor will it accept it. Since there are still ties that bind Hallie to his family, he knows he can’t hide from her, and he finds that he doesn’t want to. Will the past rear its hideous head and crush the secret dreams and hopes that Hallie and Jim still cling to in the darkest recesses of their heart, or will the soft life and strength of hope lead them onto a rugged path that will guide then safely to the other side?
I can sympathize with Hallie a lot in my own life, and I know how wonderful people like her best friend and Jim were in her life. They brought with them a light like nothing else when they walked into her world. They surrounded her with love, power, comfort, and peace that only pure love can imbue. Her world was small but precious and she lost so much until she returned home. Facing your choices and their consequences is the hardest thing you can every do, but when those choices were out of your hands, that makes the outcome so much darker and harder to deal with. Thankfully, when loves comes into your life so does hope which can help you conquer your fears, your unknown future, and anything else that comes your way. Never stop hoping and never stop living!
This is the first book that I have read by Rosalind James, and I fell so hard in love with every part of it. It was a tough story to hold onto and yet it was overflowing with so much possibility. I loved that dichotomy! It literally took my breath away! The characters were incredible, and the wonderful storyline held me captive until the very end. I can’t wait to read another of her books, and I hope that you will not miss out on what a fantastic writer she is!
March 23, 2017
Rosalind James hooked me at first with her Escape to New Zealand series, and I was afraid that Romantic Suspense (what was that anyway?) was going to be a stretch after falling for the bright skies and lush greens of New Zealand. Instead, the Paradise, Idaho series has pulled me in another direction, with characters that almost seem to be written by another author, not stock characters that simply show up in a new location. The fact that James’ women are always strong, despite differing challenges they face, is what keeps me coming back for more.
Take Me Back is the 4th installment in the Paradise, ID series and I’m sad to leave these characters. Hallie is headed back home after years away, and she doesn’t have very good memories there, so she plans to deal with her no-good father’s estate and head out of town. She can’t and that’s when it gets interesting. Hallie is tough, a bit snarky and yet someone I think I’d like to know. Jim, her high school boyfriend, is a sweet guy and I love their relationship. Not sticky sweet at all, but so damn real. Their back-and-forth conversations, their actions, the whole thing. It’s as if the author secretly taped real people. And Jim’s daughter Mac is so well written. I am always impressed at how well Rosalind James writes children’s parts of varying ages. The lack of believable language—both word use and level on par with the age—is a huge pet peeve of mine in any book I read. As always, she nails it with the pre-teen character of Mac.
This final installment (sadly) in the Paradise, ID series felt a lot more suspenseful than the others, and it was written very well. I have about an 83% chance of figuring out “whodunit” these days, and I was continually bouncing around with this book; there were simply too many people who hated this guy enough to have killed him. This book reads well as a standalone, just as I find all of James’ books do. But I highly recommend checking out the whole Paradise series if this is the first book you are reading. No worries about reading them out of order, her Paradise and New Zealand series are great for keeping beloved characters in play rather than leaving cliffhangers at the ends of each book.
As mentioned before, Rosalind James writes great characters, not just the main characters, but peripheral ones as well. They talk like real people do, fidget and move like real people, and that isn’t always the case in any book you read. I was very anti-romance until I caught a couple of good ones a few years back, and once I found such believable characters, I found that these less stressful books were what I was looking for at this stage in my life. I’ve pretty much tucked my horror and overly dramatic suspense away for books like these that let me fall asleep reading at night, with a smile on my face.
Disclaimer: If you are looking for a “clean”, no sex romance, put the mouse down and step away from this book. Or for that matter, any of James’ books. But if you are looking for well-written romance, with healthy, happy, consensual sex, this is the lady you want to write it.
Take Me Back is the 4th installment in the Paradise, ID series and I’m sad to leave these characters. Hallie is headed back home after years away, and she doesn’t have very good memories there, so she plans to deal with her no-good father’s estate and head out of town. She can’t and that’s when it gets interesting. Hallie is tough, a bit snarky and yet someone I think I’d like to know. Jim, her high school boyfriend, is a sweet guy and I love their relationship. Not sticky sweet at all, but so damn real. Their back-and-forth conversations, their actions, the whole thing. It’s as if the author secretly taped real people. And Jim’s daughter Mac is so well written. I am always impressed at how well Rosalind James writes children’s parts of varying ages. The lack of believable language—both word use and level on par with the age—is a huge pet peeve of mine in any book I read. As always, she nails it with the pre-teen character of Mac.
This final installment (sadly) in the Paradise, ID series felt a lot more suspenseful than the others, and it was written very well. I have about an 83% chance of figuring out “whodunit” these days, and I was continually bouncing around with this book; there were simply too many people who hated this guy enough to have killed him. This book reads well as a standalone, just as I find all of James’ books do. But I highly recommend checking out the whole Paradise series if this is the first book you are reading. No worries about reading them out of order, her Paradise and New Zealand series are great for keeping beloved characters in play rather than leaving cliffhangers at the ends of each book.
As mentioned before, Rosalind James writes great characters, not just the main characters, but peripheral ones as well. They talk like real people do, fidget and move like real people, and that isn’t always the case in any book you read. I was very anti-romance until I caught a couple of good ones a few years back, and once I found such believable characters, I found that these less stressful books were what I was looking for at this stage in my life. I’ve pretty much tucked my horror and overly dramatic suspense away for books like these that let me fall asleep reading at night, with a smile on my face.
Disclaimer: If you are looking for a “clean”, no sex romance, put the mouse down and step away from this book. Or for that matter, any of James’ books. But if you are looking for well-written romance, with healthy, happy, consensual sex, this is the lady you want to write it.
February 6, 2017
Take Me Back is book #4 in Rosalind James' Paradise, Idaho series. Although it is fourth in the series it can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel with no problem. I've read nearly all of RJ's books and I think that the Paradise series is my favorite, and this book is the best so far, IMO.
The story starts with the death of Henry Cavanagh, the richest and most disliked man in Paradise. His estranged daughter Hallie returns for the funeral even though she has had no contact with her father for the past five years. Wouldn't you know the first person she runs into is Jim Lawson, the twin brother of her best friend, who was also the high school crush who broke her heart years ago. Jim is a former army ranger and now a deputy sheriff, he's also a widower with a young daughter. Although neither is willing to admit it at first there is still an attraction between them.
There are many twists and turns throughout the story. Starting with Jim's suspicion that Henry's death might not have been from natural causes. Then Henry's will reveals secrets about Jim's family, and in order to claim her inheritance, Hallie has to remain in town for six months. In the following weeks and months, things happen that show a threat to Hallie's safety and Jim finds himself getting closer to her in his need to protect her from harm.
RJ does a good job of keeping the reader guessing as to whom the villain is. By about halfway through I had my suspects narrowed down to two, and by three-fourths of the way I knew who it was and it turned out I was right. Still enjoyed reading and trying to figure out the mystery. Loved the UST between the H/h and enjoyed seeing it resolved. The history of the two is revealed slowly throughout the book and it turns out to be much more that a teen crush gone bad, with most all of the heartache orchestrated by Hallie's father Henry.
Once again RJ has ticked all the boxes in what I love in romantic suspense: strong hero, smart independent heroine, good supporting cast, twisty plot, sexual attraction, enough smutty goodness to be hot but not take over the story, and ultimately a happy ending.
I'd give Take Me Back 5 stars and would recommend it to readers of romantic suspense, or general contemporary romance readers.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in return for my honest review.
May 5, 2017
Note: I received this book for free through GoodReads Giveaways.
2.5 stars
Having never read any of this author's books before, I didn't know what to expect. While reading, I thought that this was a pretty good mystery. I had my suspicions about who the killer was that you meet in the first chapter, but I couldn't say for sure. The fact that I couldn't figure out the plot after the first couple chapters is pretty unusual for me. (In the end, one of the characters I suspected was, in fact, the murderer.) There were a couple problems for me throughout the story. The first is that this story is labeled as a romance, and yet there really wasn't a whole ton of romance to be had. Most of the story was about the mystery and about the female lead's new family complications. There was only snippets of romance in actuality. The author seemed extremely reluctant to address the physical parts of the main characters' relationship to the point where I wondered why a physical relationship, besides kissing, was even included in the book. The author would even gloss over most body parts and actions through the romantic scenes. That kind of reluctance made me as a reader feel a little uncomfortable. I would rather the characters had a platonic romantic relationship than have a physical romantic relationship be so uncomfortable. The second problem I encountered was that it was a little confusing when I first started reading. I felt like there was information in the previous books in the series that I should have read before starting this one. I was able to get over this problem but I don't like when I feel like I'm missing something that the author won't tell me. The third issue that I had was these weird jumps back in time with no warning or separation from the current time period. One sentence would be in the present while the next sentence or paragraph was in the past. This happened several times and each time it left me very confused as to what was happening. The epilogue was rampant with this type of jumping all over. Overall, this book was enjoyable enough, and I wouldn't mind reading more if I had nothing else to do. However, there were a couple things that unfortunately took away from my potential enjoyment.
2.5 stars
Having never read any of this author's books before, I didn't know what to expect. While reading, I thought that this was a pretty good mystery. I had my suspicions about who the killer was that you meet in the first chapter, but I couldn't say for sure. The fact that I couldn't figure out the plot after the first couple chapters is pretty unusual for me. (In the end, one of the characters I suspected was, in fact, the murderer.) There were a couple problems for me throughout the story. The first is that this story is labeled as a romance, and yet there really wasn't a whole ton of romance to be had. Most of the story was about the mystery and about the female lead's new family complications. There was only snippets of romance in actuality. The author seemed extremely reluctant to address the physical parts of the main characters' relationship to the point where I wondered why a physical relationship, besides kissing, was even included in the book. The author would even gloss over most body parts and actions through the romantic scenes. That kind of reluctance made me as a reader feel a little uncomfortable. I would rather the characters had a platonic romantic relationship than have a physical romantic relationship be so uncomfortable. The second problem I encountered was that it was a little confusing when I first started reading. I felt like there was information in the previous books in the series that I should have read before starting this one. I was able to get over this problem but I don't like when I feel like I'm missing something that the author won't tell me. The third issue that I had was these weird jumps back in time with no warning or separation from the current time period. One sentence would be in the present while the next sentence or paragraph was in the past. This happened several times and each time it left me very confused as to what was happening. The epilogue was rampant with this type of jumping all over. Overall, this book was enjoyable enough, and I wouldn't mind reading more if I had nothing else to do. However, there were a couple things that unfortunately took away from my potential enjoyment.
January 22, 2017
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
5 Stars*****
I absolutely loved this book! It was the perfect mystery romance book. It kept you guessing right till the end, the connection between the character's was perfect and realistic, the character development was great. I sometimes feel with mystery romances that you either get too much romance or too much mystery but this book was a brilliant blend of both, meaning both elements were right at the forefront the whole way through.
This book starts out with the murder of Henry Cavanaugh, a horrible, disliked man. But who is the killer? The way that Rosalind James wrote this book is clever. She introduces characters, give their background and history with Henry and what their motive for killing him would be, meaning the suspense right until the end was brilliant.
Jim Lawson, alpha male, gorgeous and the town's sheriff is one of the sheriff's on the case, while they investigate they must inform Henry's only daughter and Jim's childhood love that her father is dead.
Hallie Cavanaugh is the complete opposite to her father, kind hearted, charitable and overall people pleaser. Hallie comes back to the town of Paradise to hear the reading of her father's will, but she thought he had disowned her so was not expecting anything. The reading of the will is full of surprises, a surprise brother for Hallie, an unhappy uncle, an angry aunt, and a sudden millionaire teenager. So many emotions, and so many suspects.
In order for Hallie to receive her inheritance she must remain living in her father's house, and not have a sexual relationship with Jim for those 6 months.
But with threats becoming more and more serious, the relationship between Jim and Hallie blossoms.
This book will grab you from the beginning, it'll keep you guessing until the end and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
5 Stars*****
I absolutely loved this book! It was the perfect mystery romance book. It kept you guessing right till the end, the connection between the character's was perfect and realistic, the character development was great. I sometimes feel with mystery romances that you either get too much romance or too much mystery but this book was a brilliant blend of both, meaning both elements were right at the forefront the whole way through.
This book starts out with the murder of Henry Cavanaugh, a horrible, disliked man. But who is the killer? The way that Rosalind James wrote this book is clever. She introduces characters, give their background and history with Henry and what their motive for killing him would be, meaning the suspense right until the end was brilliant.
Jim Lawson, alpha male, gorgeous and the town's sheriff is one of the sheriff's on the case, while they investigate they must inform Henry's only daughter and Jim's childhood love that her father is dead.
Hallie Cavanaugh is the complete opposite to her father, kind hearted, charitable and overall people pleaser. Hallie comes back to the town of Paradise to hear the reading of her father's will, but she thought he had disowned her so was not expecting anything. The reading of the will is full of surprises, a surprise brother for Hallie, an unhappy uncle, an angry aunt, and a sudden millionaire teenager. So many emotions, and so many suspects.
In order for Hallie to receive her inheritance she must remain living in her father's house, and not have a sexual relationship with Jim for those 6 months.
But with threats becoming more and more serious, the relationship between Jim and Hallie blossoms.
This book will grab you from the beginning, it'll keep you guessing until the end and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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